This exquisite specimen displays bright medium gold patina and a boldly cameo. The devices are fully struck showing razor sharp definition and a bold satin texture. The deeply mirrored fields, on the other hand, contrast markedly. Both sides of the coin are uniformly well preserved and come close to an even higher numeric grade. It is beautiful and very desirable as a high quality example of a rare Proof Liberty half eagle. One of the most historically significant issues in the entire Proof half eagle series, the 1876 was produced during the centennial year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In anticipation of increased Proof coin sales to Americans seeking a numismatic memento from this important year in our nation s history, the Mint produced a greater number of Proof half eagles in 1876 than it did in any other year during the 1870s. The mintage for the 1876 amounted to 45 pieces, as opposed to between 20 and 35 specimens for every other date from 1870 to 1879. Of course, a Proof mintage of 45 coins would place nearly any issue in the annals of numismatic history as a rarity. Given the higher mintage, there are a few more Proof 1876 half eagles extant as compared to the other Proof half eagles of the decade. Even so, the majority were either melted as unsold in the Mint or have otherwise been lost. Writing in the 2008 edition of the invaluable reference Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins: 1795-1933, Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth state, "The population data of certified examples [of the Proof 1876 half eagle] are grossly exaggerated by resubmissions." This probably explains the overoptimistic (in our opinion) estimate of 25 to 30 coins provided in the online version of the PCGS Population Report. We are far more inclined to agree with Garrett and Guth s estimate that only 15 to 20 examples extant. At least two of the survivors are impounded in museum collections and unavailable for private ownership. Additionally, several of the examples in numismatic circles are in lower Proof grades, if not impaired, suggesting that at least a few Proof 1876 half eagles found their way into the hands of non-numismatists at the time of issue. This is understandable given the centennial celebrations, which probably attracted coin buyers who were not seasoned numismatists and did not know how to properly preserve these important specimens. NGC, in fact, has certified one example Proof-58, that coin selling as lot 3931 in Heritage s Summer FUN U.S. Coins Signature Auction of July 2014. Combining great rarity with exceptional technical quality and bountiful eye appeal, the Choice Ultra Cameo Proof offered in this lot belongs in the finest numismatic cabinet. Worthy of a strong bid. ， Est. $35,000-$55,000
